The Canadian film Kuessipan, set in an Innu community in north-eastern Québec, is currently available to rent as part of Rich Mix’s online cinema.
This debut feature by Myriam Verreault, adapted by Naomi Fontaine from her critically-acclaimed novel of the same name, is a deeply-felt drama in which issues of race and class threaten a lifelong friendship between two girls.
Mikuan (Sharon Ishpatao Fontaine) has a loving family, while Shaniss (Yamie Grégoire) comes from a more troubled background. Their vow to stay close, no matter what, comes under pressure when Shaniss gives birth to a child fathered by an Innu boy Mikuan considers a violent ne’er-do-well, and when Mikuan in turn becomes involved with a non-Innu white boy and plans to leave the reserve on which they live. Will their friendship, heretofore solid as a rock, withstand the tribulations of adulthood? A beautifully photographed portrait of the harsh lives of Québec’s Innu people – Fontaine used the word ‘Kuessipan’ as the title of her novel to make it clear that it’s now their turn to tell their story.
Rent Kuessipan until 20 Dec for just £7.49 using the promo code RICHYS (full price £9.99).